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Inca Trail Trek 2019

      Conversations between two work friends over three years ago about Machu Picchu, led to maybe hiking some trail in the mountains.  After some long discussions and kidding each other if we could even be in shape enough to do a hike like this, it soon became apparent that this was going to happen!  Soon others heard about this and wanted in.  This led to nine months of planning the trip.  The group grew from two to six quickly and this required group ticketing on airlines, hotel rooms, meals, train tickets, and van transportation, and even reservations to get permits to hike the Inca Trail. 

We researched a few trekking companies in Peru and settled in with "Peru Treks" and were so happy we did.  They handled the trail permits for us, and much more that will be shared as we get farther into the story. They were very professional, shared information very valuable prior to the departure for packing tips, trail life, and what to expect along the way. We also chose to purchase our currency in advance. We had to have cash for tipping, meals, and entrance fees, all being calculated in advance.

Departing Dulles airport in the afternoon, we arrived in Cusco, Peru the next day.  The trek company requires that you acclimate to the altitude for two days prior to the hike, so this gave us plenty of time to enjoy the city a bit and eat some of the local food/drinks... Our accommodations were great. We stayed at the Casa Andina Catedral  as this was close to the trekking company.  They provided airport transfers and were great hosts. 

The trekking company picked us up at our hotel at 5am the morning of the first day, and we were off!  This was an adventure of a lifetime and we were all looking forward to seeing Machu Picchu in four days.  The pictures we took along the way could not come close to what is experienced in person. We came across ruins along the way that others just visiting Machu Picchu would never see. The views were indescribable. In spots where you thought is was so foggy, were actually clouds moving by because we were so high! You can't make this ---- (stuff) up!, was the basic quote for every spectacular view along the way. Some parts of the trail had some great drops, and others had stairs that had you crawling up the mountain side.

The trekking company provides a porter service to help carry some of your belongings if you choose.  Three of the crew opted for this service and paid the additional fees required. They would carry up to 12 pounds of your personal gear if you selected this option.  Otherwise, you carried your clothes, sleeping bag and pad, and water.  Tents were set up and provided by the Peru Treks.  They were four person tents and allowed for adequate space inside for two people and their gear to spread out. The food was provided and was great considering it all had to be hauled up the mountain, and cooked by the "chef" over a fire.  We all brought way too much snack food, as we were never hungry. 

Bathroom accommodations were "interesting" to put it mildly.  Basically a hole in the ground with a ceramic cover.  Required a bit of positioning skills, but we all got the hang of it quickly. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer were readily available, as long as you brought it.  :) 

Guides were positioned at the front and the rear of the line to never leave anyone alone along the way.  We actually ended up with 14 of us hiking the trail as we met another group and became great friends. Our son spoke Spanish and was a valuable asset in town and along the entire trip.  The guide spoke great English and even some of the porters were trying to learn English.  Having been to Peru before we were familiar with the Quechua language as well. 

We arrived at the Sungate at sunrise the morning of our fourth day. It was a beautiful view over Machu Picchu.  As we walked the approximate mile down the trail to Machu Picchu, it was almost anti-climatic, compared to what we experienced along our 28 mile trek through the Andes. And yes, we all earned our certificate!  My desire is to help anyone with details of the trip and make planning your adventure go as well as ours did. We met many great people, discovered the best hotels, and found the easiest way to make reservations for train travel.  Let us help you with your next expedition, whether to Peru or Everest, we are here! 

Great photos and maps by Mike Schoelen: https://storymaps-nextgen.arcgis.com/beta/stories/79cff93b67cd4e1da5ab5f0fa89ed96a

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